Linde posts solid 2024 with profit and EPS growth

Linde (NASDAQ:LIN) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year 2024.

Full-year sales remained at $33 billion, while underlying sales saw a 2% increase.

The company's operating profit reached $8.6 billion, with adjusted operating profit climbing 7% to $9.7 billion.  

For the fourth quarter of 2024, Linde reported sales of $8.3 billion, flat year-over-year, but with underlying sales again up 2%.

Adjusted operating profit for the quarter reached $2.5 billion, a 9% increase compared to the same period last year.  

Linde also reported earnings per share (EPS) of $3.60, a 14% increase, and adjusted EPS of $3.97, up 11%.

Meanwhile, the company generated strong cash flow in the fourth quarter, with an operating cash flow of $2,809 million, a 3% increase year-over-year.

After capital expenditures of $1,250 million, free cash flow was $1,559 million.   

Looking forward to the first quarter of 2025, Linde projects adjusted EPS guidance of $3.85 - $3.95, representing a 7%-9% growth excluding foreign exchange impacts.